Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has landed on the injured list following a fractured left middle finger sustained during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. The injury occurred in the seventh inning when Bellinger was struck by a pitch from lefty reliever Cionel Perez.
Bellinger initially stayed in the game before ultimately being replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni. This development has led the Cubs to recall Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding roster move, signaling an adjustment period as the team adapts to Bellinger’s absence.
Bellinger's Season Thus Far
Bellinger, who will turn 29 this Saturday, brought solid contributions to the Cubs with a .269/.331/.410 slash line (107 OPS+), nine home runs, 37 runs batted in, and five stolen bases. Entering Thursday, his efforts have cumulatively added up to an estimated 1.1 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference. Despite these respectable numbers, insiders note that Bellinger is not having as good of a year as he did in 2023.
Implications for the Cubs
The Cubs currently hold a 44-49 record, sitting ten games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. Bellinger’s injury immediately raises questions about the team’s strategy as they approach the trade deadline. According to an insider, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger."
Given Bellinger’s three-year pact, which allows him to opt out after each season, there is no guarantee that he will remain on Chicago’s roster come Opening Day 2025. "Remember, his three-year pact allows him to opt out after each season, meaning there's no actual assurance either way that he'll be on Chicago's roster come Opening Day 2025," an insider pointed out.
The uncertainty of Bellinger's future with the Cubs adds another layer of complexity. "We'll concede that Bellinger isn't having as good of a year as he did in 2023, and that teams may have additional concerns about his unusual profile as a result," noted an insider. This dynamic could potentially influence the market for Bellinger, making it more likely that he stays put, either because teams are apprehensive he'll opt-in and decline or because they might use that possibility to leverage the Cubs into a lesser return.
The Road Ahead
The Cubs face a series against the St. Louis Cardinals after wrapping up their match-ups with the Orioles. As they navigate through Bellinger’s absence and the uncertainty surrounding potential trades, they have turned to 23-year-old Alexander Canario to fill the gap. Promoting Canario from their Triple-A affiliate underscores the need for immediate contributions while Bellinger recuperates.
Interestingly, insiders note that a well-timed heater from Bellinger between now and the trade deadline could shift the landscape. "A well-timed heater between now and the deadline could change things, however, and even in this current reality, he's an above-average contributor capable of standing in center field. That's something," an insider remarked.
While the Cubs grapple with these developments, fans and analysts alike will be closely observing how the team maneuvers through this period of adversity. The next few weeks will be critical in determining the trajectory of both Bellinger’s career and the Cubs’ season.